Aja Brown

“The perpetuation of gangster rap has really put a negative image on the city of Compton... So I look forward to addressing that image, changing it and making it more accurate.”

“When I was a kid, I thought I would be an entrepreneur and maybe at some point go into law school.”

“The Resource Center will be able to map all of the resources in and around the Compton community while providing customized assistance that will be a vital asset to improving our ability to service our youth, adults, and families.”

“I know what it takes to move cities forward. It's not about rhetoric and great speaking, but it takes relationships.”

“My husband is actually biracial. He is Caucasian and African American. And my brother's fiance is Latina. So we have a colorful family.”

“The Compton I knew was from my mother, and it was beautiful. It was this close-knit community, and people cared about one another, and it was safe.”

“Political positions do not belong to the officeholder; they belong to the people that place us in office.”

“I have always believed women have so many natural leadership qualities. They just need opportunities and access.”

“I don't think it's my job, single-handedly, to fix anything. I think it's my job to have a vision and have a plan that is reasonable and workable and get as many people to the table to effect change as possible.”

“Kendrick Lamar is a phenomenal artist whose work has served as a catalyst to raise a new level of consciousness for this generation. His message challenges the status quo and motivates listeners to rethink our society's institutions.”

“I actually grew up in the City of Pasadena.”

“I think every leader must possess vision, and they absolutely have to have a heart of service.”

“People are taking a second look at Compton or rethinking what they believed to be true. Even the rap stars who helped established Compton's reputation worldwide are older now, and even their images have evolved.”

“Compton looks a lot of different. Residents are now able to go out and grab a bite, go to dinner, go to Target, Best Buy or a gym or Marshall's. We're now able to experience more amenities. I want to see that grow.”

“Compton is a much safer Compton than it was in the '80s. People play in parks. People aren't afraid to be out at night.”

“I believe the people of Compton are ready for change. They've spoken. Their voice has clearly been heard that they don't want to go backward. They want to go forward.”

“I think Compton is definitely a part of my, my family history - a part of me.”

“I think we are living in an age where we really need to have bilingual leaders so that we can communicate with our constituents.”

“Compton is this amazing place with a rich history. I see it as a new Brooklyn.”

“Thank you to Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Universal Studios, and the Grammys for telling the story of what Compton was and is becoming.”